Restoration Of Chesnut Tree Program Set For Saturday

Jeff Krause, wildlife biologist at Raystown Lake, will present information on recent work by the American Chestnut Foundation to bring back the American chestnut tree on Saturday, July 31, at 7:00 p.m. at Raystown Lake Amphitheatre.

From the early 1900s to 1940s an exotic blight attacked and killed more than 4 billion American chesnut trees. American chestnut was the dominant tree species across the East and were considered more important than the oaks present today. Growing over 100 feet tall and more than 4 feet wide, this majestic tree provided not only great forest and wildlife benefits but also provided a way of life for residents throughout the Appalachian Mountains and beyond.

Everyone is invited to come and learn more about the history of the demise and rebirth of this great tree, the efforts of a new local branch of volunteers working for the restoration and about the local chestnut breeding orchards in this area.